The Rumble is in the books, now we
look towards Wrestlemania, with a minor bump in the road that WWE
likes to call No Way Out. Last year, No Way Out became a much
more important show than in years past thanks to the
announcement that Hogan, Hall, and Nash would arrive on February
19, 2002. This time around, Bischoff has opened up inquiries to
getting Stone Cold Steve Austin to come back to Raw officially at
No Way Out. So the PPV certainly has taken on a more important
heir, but is in the hardest spot any show could be, wedged
between arguably the two biggest shows of the year, though
SummerSlam will forever be my favorite. Tonight the road to No
Way Out continues, and Wrestlemania gets a little closer. Michael
Cole and Tazz are ready from the Pepsi Center in Albany, and so
am I, especially after a very successful Raw in my opinion
SmackDown actually has something to live up to this week.

Stephanie in her office welcomes
us to a very special SmackDown, saying that tonight one of the
greatest stars in history returns this evening the Phenom,
the Undertaker. Thats not all Bischoff drops a
bombshell and invites Austin to Raw, but Steph has a bombshell of
her own ladies and gentlemen, stay tuned for a big
surprise.

MATCH 1: CHRIS BENOIT VS. CHARLIE
HAAS (W/ Shelton Benjamin)
Angle has sprung for some Evil Knievel warm-up Team Angle suits
and SB and CH are sporting them but Haas loses his as he
has a problem, a problem from Edmonton. Basic counter mat
wrestling early but it appeared that Benoit had the intensity and
also the power advantage. Benjamin on the floor caused a
distraction to both Benoit and Mike Chioda as Haas slammed Benoits
left hand into the steel steps and began to dissect it back
inside the squared circle. Haas kept it basic, strikes and
submissions, which is exactly what he needs to be doing at this
point. It was all offense on the arm, armbars and key locks and
short forearms and attempts to separate the joints and it worked,
though the fans seemed a little less than enthused. Haas
strategy did not lend itself to crowd involvement, but everyone
in the building could see what was going on and that made it
effective at least on one level. After several cut offs, Benoit
finally established his comeback with a DDT at 7:07. Both men
down after that move as Chioda began his count, only reaching six
though. Benoit all over Haas with a back drop and a release
German suplex, then signaled for the Swandive Headbutt. Long way
to go to reach Haas but he connected perfectly as Benjamin then
quickly jumped on the apron to make sure there was no pin
Haas caught in the Crossface but the left hand gave way on Benoit
and he couldnt keep it on. Benoit then came up with a
rollup counter and won it, leaving Haas and Benjamin both in
disbelief.

The Undertaker on his bike as he
has arrived to SmackDown.

EXTREME BLAST OF THE NIGHT (JVC):
From last Thursday, it was Bill DeMott over Rikishi with a
Rumpshaker saving powerbomb and some tights.

MATCH 2: RIKISHI VS. BILL DEMOTT
Revenge match from last week should be no more interesting
than that one was, as DeMott despite having talent will
always be that guy everyone sees as intense but incredibly
monotonous and uninteresting. Cast on Bills left forearm,
he suffered nerve damage when he landed after being eliminated
from Sundays Rumble. Rikishi then worked over the arm of
DeMott wow weve seen that same style of attack in two
straight matches, but this time it was the face doing it so the
fans seemed to react better overall. DeMott tried to fight back
with one arm, acting the face and Rikishi obviously not,
completely having Bill at his mercy, and showing him none. A
DeMott spinebuster out of desperation took everything he had out
of him, but gave him a few more seconds at least. Superkick from
Rikishi in perfect position for the Rumpshaker and after placing
the arm across DeMotts chest that would be all.

Nathan Jones promo once again
they really do want to put some steam behind this guy.

Raw brand comes to Chicago for Raw
Monday, next Fri in Minneapolis, next Sat in NY at MSG, next
Sunday in Binghamton, and two Mondays from now the nations
capital.

Josh Matthews wanting words with
the Big Show as the giant was on his cell phone, wondering if
Show is at all concerned about the Undertakers return. Big
grabs Josh by the head and gets within a centimeter of it
intimidates him, then walks away.

Matt Hardy and Shannon Moore, with
Matt saying Moore continues to screw up but at the Rumble, he saw
a glimpse of Mattitude kicking him back in the ring, but
where was Shannon when the F-5 to the floor happened. Its
Shannons fault that Matt lost the Rumble Shannon cant
believe what hes hearing. He wants to see Nunzio get a
Mattitude adjustment lets Shannon go as Moore goes into the
ladies locker room. Matt goes up to Nunzio, who is only a few
feet away working out. Hardy wants Nunzio to teach him a lesson
Nunzio has no problem, relating to situations back home in his
own family involving shoplifting. Nothing would make me
happier than if you would give Shannon a Mattitude adjustment.

Tony Chimmel announces Kurt Angle
vs. Rey Mysterio for later and says Steph wanted to reiterate
that her big surprise is still to come.

Undertaker in a new red Big Evil
shirt jumps back on his bike, but wheres he headed?

Undertaker comes out after the
break, pounds his heart and gives it to the fans atop the ramp
before entering the ring to address the world. Its
been a while. Now Im not going to waste a lot of your time
because in my opinion there is way too much talking and not
enough ass kicking. Ive been sitting at home for the last
three months thinking of nothing but ass kicking. Ive got
one thing on my mind tonight and its revenge. Im here
tonight with nothing but bad intentions. Theres one guy,
you know who it is, and believe me, Im going to get me
some. Those of you who dont remember what happened, Im
going to roll some footage and refresh everybodys memory.
(Footage of the Shows ambush three months ago, a WONDERFUL
segment might I add with the press slam off the stage it
was the sell that did it, from the agents and the boys.) Now
theres an old saying that says that which does not kill you
makes you stronger. Big Show, Im going to give you the
opportunity that you did not give me Im going to let
you walk down here face to face and get your ass kicked. Dont
waste my time boy.

Big Shows music hit and he
appeared still in the suit and holding a microphone, so prepare
for a pantload Take. Look, I could come down this ramp and
the beating I threw on you three months ago will be nothing
compared to the beating Ill throw on you tonight. Now you
know if I walk down this ramp, one of us isnt coming back
up. Now just incase the one of us thats not making it back
up the ramp happens to be me, I have what my agent likes to call
a contingency plan. So you know what, Ill come down this
ramp (takes off the jacket) right now, right here in Albany, New
York. But oh no, its not going to be me your
challenge Mr. Undertaker is going to be answered alright. Your
challenge is going to be answered by the A Train!

MATCH 3: UNDERTAKER VS. A-TRAIN
The Baldobomb has been replaced its also not the
A-Bomb or anything else JR called it, Tazz points out its
called the Derailer. Taker went down on a shoulder block and then
took a corner avalanche and a clothesline that scored a two
count, but not a three and thats what Train needed.
Bearhug on Taker in very high position early but Taker fought out
of it, absorbed a bit more punishment, then hit his flipping
lariat and a big boot that was nearly enough for the victory.
Train met the announce table as the Phenom began to dominate both
the tempo and the match itself. The apron leg drop looked great,
as it usually does, and the Train was in major trouble. Taker
went old school with the rope walk and measured the train for the
chokeslam, getting the job done but Train raised a shoulder
at 2.9, surprising everyone including Big Evil. Last Ride signal
thats a big boy though, and he countered with a back body
drop before missing a splash. Train connected with the Derailer
but this time it was Taker who wasnt quite ready to go down
for the count, kicking out and enraging the A-Train. Taker locked
on the standing dragon sleeper, called Taking Care of Business
and that was it.

Sean OHaire promo number
three this time advising us to stop paying taxes
using quotes from forefathers, saying the officials are not
representing us, no taxation without representation. The gimmick
is fantastic and OHaire is cutting some world class
promos. What he appears to be, wearing all black and having the
look he has is the bad conscience we all have inside.

MATCH 4: EDGE VS. SHELTON BENJAMIN
(W/ Charlie Haas)
One might think Benjamin will definitely win here but Im
not sure considering Kurt Angle is nowhere in sight as of yet
perhaps that will change. Edge took control of the rookie
sensation but caught a release German suplex off a counter as
Benjamin locked a bow and arrow on the ringpost, which looked
even better than it sounds. Edgeomatic at 2:23 after a counter,
but Benjamin slipped under the Edgeacution and hit a beautiful
short clothesline that reasserted his control over the contest.
One of my favorite submissions the self-choke, as Benjamin
crisscrossed the arms and pulled them behind Edges head,
torquing the entire body really worked well but Edge made
it to his feet and hit a snapmare variation to release the
pressure. An overhead belly to belly gave Edge the time to catch
his breath, and it was a flying forearm, an Edgeline, and the
faceplant that got a close near fall. Flapjack from Edge who
telegraphed the spear Benjamin leapfrog and after knocking
Haas off the apron, Edge caught a superkick but Shelton hit maybe
the move Ive seen him use the most that I really like
the reverse spin kick, but a spear would win it for Edge after
the kickout.

After the break, Kurt Angle
reprimanding Haas and Benjamin for making him look bad as his
representatives tonight. None of their responsibilities include
losing Team Angle stands for the Three Is
intensity, integrity, and intelligent. Cripes, Charlie you
had no intensity whatsoever out there  It wasnt
intelligent for Benjamin to take the spear all they have to
do is win. Team Angle is not going 0-3 tonight. Angle wants both
of them to sit right where they are and watch exactly how an
Olympic and WWE Champion gets the job done. Hes embarrassed
and ashamed of both of them.

MATCH 5: SHANNON MOORE (W/ Matt
Hardy) VS. NUNZIO
Neither got an entrance, pretty much cut straight to the bell
here as Matt looked enthusiastic towards Moore unless his back
was turned beautiful face drop to counter a catapult and
Nunzio went after the left arm, which is his lifelong goal in the
ring. Too bad tonight two matches have centered around an arm,
eventually that has to wear on people. Nunzio hit the Sicilian
Slice (thank you Tazz for calling it that) and got a two count,
then went right back to the arm. Moore with a nice back
springboard leg lariat and then a flying forearm as Moore was
pumped up somersault neckbreaker got a two count as Matt
Hardy seemed concerned. Moore dominating the last minute or so
hit a corkscrew plancha off the top and said Version 1
Twist of Fate, trying to impress Matt as he went for his
move. Nunzio countered into his flying springboard armbar
takedown Tazz said Arrivederci on that one, not
sure if thats a name or just an apropos comment.

Ad for Undertakers
Collectors Edition magazine

Brock Lesnar in a taped interview
saying hes goal oriented, first to become NCAA Champion, to
make an impactful debut the day after Wrestlemania, to become
King of the Ring, to beat Rock at SummerSlam, to beat the
Undertaker in the Cell he accomplished them all. Then it
was Paul Heymans betrayal that cost Lesnar the Championship
and his undefeated streak. Since then, two more goals stand out
over others to beat the Big Show and win the Royal Rumble,
which he did. Two more goals now to accomplish, to F-5 Paul
Heyman and then beat Kurt Angle at Wrestlemania for the WWE
Championship.

Rey putting on his mask as hes
set for Kurt Angle, that match is next. As Rey walks, Shannon
nearly knocks him down as hes still running from Matt
leaping into an empty anvil case. Matt is a few steps behind,
screaming for him to come out and take his beating like a man.
Come on out you little MF er  not knowing where
he is as of yet.

SmackDown heads to Saskatoon on
Saturday, Regina on Sunday, Milwaukee on Monday, taping in Green
Bay on Tuesday.

WWE REWIND: Angle telling Team
Angle earlier tonight to sit and watch him get the job done
against Rey Freakin Mysterio.

MATCH 6: KURT ANGLE (W/ Paul
Heyman) VS. REY MYSTERIO (Non-Title)
Beautiful sit out powerbomb to counter a hurracanranna at 0:43
after Rey had started quickly. Paul has not been seen all night
but pops up with Kurt for this non-title match. Kurt with a sick
German spike release suplex and somehow Rey kicked out of it
I know I wouldnt have. Rey had plenty of fight in him and
used the speed to keep Kurt off guard, but it seemed like David
vs. Goliath this time around. Rey hit a beautiful catapult
backspring counter into a headscissors, then connected on Kurt
over the top to the floor springboard guillotine back
inside and barely missed the three count from Brian Hebner. Angle
posted himself as Rey bridged up on the top rope, then came off
the top with a springboard moonsault that missed the mark
ankle lock but Rey rolled through just in time to catch an
overhead belly to belly. Kurt took the straps down but Rey used
an armdrag to counter the Angle Slam, drop toe hold and now time
for the 619 Kurt caught him but then took the wheelbarrow
swinging bulldog that got a 2.9 in what is easily the match of
the evening. Angle countered the West Coast Pop then hit a
flat out amazing move Rey caught on his shoulders as Angle
spun him, dropped him face first on the top rope and then hit a
vicious suplex with a floatover all in one motion. That was all
she wrote. Edge first hit the ring to save Rey, then Benoit hit
the ring to uneven the odds release German from Benoit and
then a spear from Edge as Angle was getting brutalized. Another
suplex from Benoit to the Champion then a set up on the
second rope for Rey to connect with the 619 Benoit held on
to make sure this one worked.

Stephanie in her office as Funaki
comes in wanting to get the scoop on the surprise. My
surprise tonight, next, is not a what, its a who but
youre going to have to wait like everybody else. But youll
find out next, okay, thank you. After Funaki leaves, Steph
is staring at something and the camera pans over to see it,
a poster of a flexing Hulk Hogan.

STEPHANIES SURPRISE
As soon as the show came back live, Voodoo Chile hit
the speakers and out came the Hulkster, and the roof blew off the
Pepsi Center. Ridiculous pop that just would not stop, Hogan
could only stand in the ring and acknowledge it, and when he
pumped himself up it managed to get louder somehow. Hogan had
lost the black tinted portion of the beard, truly looked like old
Hulk (though older) and the Hogan chant and
that entire moment really did cause serious chills as I tried to
type. Very similar to the pop he got last year on a SmackDown
telecast, maybe something Ive never seen before and would
never see again, but this was very close. What an amazing moment
this was Hogan did the tears and the wow looks, having
something important to say but not able to get it out. Commercial
break.

Back after the break still
no talking, just fans reacting and Hogan standing with a smile
and inside saying All of the people who think Im
whatever bite me. Finally he points to the mic,
saying he has to speak. The fans dont relent, chanting
Hogan to an insane decibel level. Okay Maniacs,
you are my life, I admit it! You know Hulkamaniacs, I came here
tonight to make one announcement, and that announcement is I just
signed a brand new contract! Hulk Hogan is back jack, and one
more time, all over the world, Hulkamania is going to run wild
brother. But you know something Maniacs, Ive got a lot of
unfinished business in the WWE, and apparently by the looks of
things in the back, Ive got a lot of brand new business Im
going to have to take care of. But this time, Im going to
do it the right way. This time, with the red and yellow on, Im
going to do it with each and every one of you. Hulk Hogan and the
Hulkamaniacs are going to walk into battle together dammit and I
dont care how high the deck is stacked against us, I dont
care how strong the forces are against us, were going to
march into battle and fight the forces of evil brother. And I dont
care what it takes, one way or the other, were going to
come out victorious Maniacs. But you know something, Im
going to have to be quite honest with you, this might very well
be our last journey together, but I give you my solemn word, I
will not let you down this time. And if this is our final hour
together, let this be the greatest one of them all!

Vince McMahons music hit and
out he came with a look of both shock and utter dismay on his
face. He makes his way down to the ring with a shocked half grin,
as if to say well Ill be damned, but not looking
pleased. Then it goes to frown and old Mr. McMahon. I admit
I arrived here just a few minutes ago, like all of you I was
curious and I know I speak for everybody in this arena when
I say, I am terribly disappointed. Stephanie, Stephanie I give
you the autonomy to run your own show and make your own decisions
and you give me this? Hogan this is not 1985, this is the year
2003 and I dont want to offend you or anything, but I
would suggest to you that Hulkamania and the recently departed Al
Wilson have one thing in common, theyre both dead. (HEAT
and McMahon cracks a smile to jeer, the Asshole chant returns.)
Well Mr. McMahon, youve just given me an idea. Seeing
how this might very well be my last comeback in the WWE, I want
to make sure I do things the right way. And the first WWE
superstar I want to climb in the ring with the first WWE
superstar I want to face nose to nose, and the first WWE
superstar that I want to kick the living hell out of... is
you! Who the hell do you think you are?! (Another classic
Vince phrase and look.) Let me remind you of who I am. I dont
answer to Hulk Hogan. I sure as hell dont answer to any of
these people in this arena. Hell I dont even answer to the
man upstairs. I only answer to one supreme being, and his name is
Vincent Kennedy McMahon! Well Vincent Kennedy McMahon,
maybe this will help you make up your mind.

Hogan decked Vince and ripped off
his shirt, throwing it at McMahons fallen body before
leaving. The show ends with Cole and Tazz asking if McMahon will
accept Hogans challenge.